American Imperialism

Imperialism

A strong nation dominates a weaker nation politically

Alfred Thayer Mahan

U.S. naval officer who argued for sea power and a strong navy to protect trade and expand influence

Economic Motives of Imperialism

Desire for new markets

Social Darwinism

Belief that stronger nations have the right to dominate weaker ones; tied to racial superiority

White Man’s Burden

Idea that Westerners had a duty to civilize and uplift non-Western societies

Annexation of Hawaii

U.S. overthrew Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 and annexed Hawaii in 1898 for sugar and naval power

Seward’s Folly

Nickname for the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy demanding equal trade rights in China and opposition to colonial spheres of influence

Boxer Rebellion

1900 Chinese uprising against foreign influence

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reporting used to stir public emotion and promote war

U.S.S. Maine

U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor; used to justify the Spanish-American War

Spanish-American War

1898 war between Spain and the U.S.

Treaty of Paris 1898

Ended Spanish-American War; U.S. gained Philippines

Platt Amendment

Made Cuba a U.S. protectorate

Teller Amendment

Declared that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after Spanish-American War

Philippine-American War

Rebellion led by Emilio Aguinaldo against U.S. rule after annexation of the Philippines

Jones Act (Philippines)

U.S. law promising eventual independence to the Philippines

Foraker Act

Established a civil government in Puerto Rico

Jones-Shafroth Act

Granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans in 1917 and more local self-government

Big Stick Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy: use diplomacy backed by military strength

Panama Canal

Man-made waterway built by U.S. to connect Atlantic and Pacific; enhanced military and trade power

Roosevelt Corollary

Addition to Monroe Doctrine stating U.S. would intervene in Latin America to maintain stability

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft’s policy of encouraging U.S. investment abroad instead of using military force

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson’s policy promoting democracy and human rights

Jingoism

Aggressive form of nationalism promoting warlike foreign policy

Sphere of Influence

Area where a foreign nation has special rights and control over trade and investment

Anti-Imperialist League

Group opposed to U.S. expansion